prado towing capability

Submitted: Monday, Jun 26, 2006 at 21:19
ThreadID: 35304 Views:9205 Replies:3 FollowUps:2
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Hi all. Can I please get some user feedback on the capability of a Prado VX 2002 model, 3.4L petrol, towing a caravan with an ATM of up to 2300kg with an external length of 20'. The vehicle is rated at 2500kg by Toyota with a ball weight of 250kg. A weight distributing hitch will be fitted.
Comment from owners of a similar rig would be great.
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Reply By: Wizard1 - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 08:11

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 08:11
First assumption you need to dump is that you will tow the van at its ATM of 2300 kg. Most vans, once loaded lean more toward the maximum if not a little over. Include the load you may be carrying in/on the tow vehicle and you will be right on the limit. Also never assume your towball weight is the foolish 10% of ATM, it usually more as well.

We have neither a V6 or a 20 ft van. We have a Prado 2002 TD and tow a 16 ft van with a ATM of 1450 kg. We travel along quite well the majority of the time and are grateful we aren't towing something bigger/heavier when the going starts to get tough. I prefer to tow on the side of caution rather than right on the limit of the tow vehicle.

To tow a van of that size you really need to consider a larger tow vehicle (LC or Patrol) or a smaller van.

If you already have the rig you describe the whole question is quite academic isn't it.

AnswerID: 180531

Follow Up By: Redback - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 08:27

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 08:27
Yep our trailer is around this weight as well, i think like you, we're glad our's doesn't weight anymore, and our towing capacity is 3500kg.

Baz.
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FollowupID: 436799

Follow Up By: gunnadid - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 21:00

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 21:00
Thanks Wizard 1. I haven't purchased the van, and wont until I can get some confidence in the Prado's capability and limits. It seems that an ATM less than 2000kg is essential. My wife requires onboard facilities so an internal length of 16' plus is necessary. Our travel will be restricted to "on-road". Your van has a great ATM but does it have have tiolet/shower? I would think not so can you tell me the make/model please and I'll investigate slightly larger models in the range.

Regards
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FollowupID: 436967

Reply By: Redback - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 08:22

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 08:22
It will struggle, mainly because your towing a van close to your vehicles towable limit and ball weight limit as well, which is not good no matter what vehicle you have, is 2300kg unladen or fully laden.

Not much you can do, unless you can lighten the van or give the car more power, if it's an auto this will be better but get an transmisson oil cooler so you don't overheat your auto.

Baz.
AnswerID: 180535

Reply By: Dazmit - Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 12:53

Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006 at 12:53
As previously mentioned first thing to do is to take the van to a weighbridge and find out actual weights - plated weights mean nothing.
From experience with a 2004 TD Prado towing a 2.4 tonne van is that although the engine pulled it well enough the van makes the Prado move around a bit - going to a Cruiser made a huge improvement in stability and safety.

Cheers

Darryl
Kedron XC
Brisbane
AnswerID: 180584

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